newy.com.au – A draft blueprint to guide development across 15,000 hectares between Anambah and Branxton has opened for public comment, with residents given six weeks to respond.

The plan covers land in the Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton local government areas and sets out a long-term framework for housing, infrastructure, transport links, environmental protection and other land uses.

It does not rezone land or approve development. Any proposed zoning changes or development applications would still have to pass through the usual planning and assessment processes.

The three councils have jointly prepared the draft Anambah to Branxton Regionally Significant Growth Area Structure Plan in response to expected population and housing growth.

The area is linked by the New England Highway, Hunter Expressway and Main Northern railway line, making it a focus of the NSW government’s Hunter Regional Plan 2041.

Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the councils wanted infrastructure planning to occur before new communities were established.

“We’ve listened to our community’s feedback about the need to plan for growth differently. This Plan is about planning infrastructure alongside growth, rather than catching up after it occurs,” Cr Penfold said.

Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said public submissions would help shape the planning framework.

“The Structure Plan will provide a big picture of how we can cater for expected growth in the Anambah to Branxton area, and community input has a key role in achieving the best possible results,” Cr Watton said.

Singleton mayor Sue Moore said planning needed to account for employment and lifestyle opportunities as well as housing.

The work was funded by the Australian government’s Housing Support Program and prepared with input from technical specialists, NSW government agencies and industry representatives.

The draft plan is available through the Anambah to Branxton growth area information hub at the link below. Submissions close on Tuesday, October 6.

Visit the hub:
https://anambah-to-branxton-cessnock-council.hub.arcgis.com/